Decoding Kiwifruit Ripening: The Sugar and Hormone Dance

Kiwifruits, popular for their unique taste and nutritional goodness, need to ripen off the vine. The speed of ripening can greatly impact sales. Scientists delved into the molecular factors that control this process to assist farmers. They discovered two key models. One model suggests that when kiwifruit is harvested, it doesn't receive enough of a certain sugar signal, known as T6P. This absence triggers another signal called SnRK1, which slows down the breakdown of starch, preventing the fruit from ripening too quickly.The second model involves plant hormones like abscisic acid and ethylene. These hormones work together to break down the fruit's cell walls, making it softer. Understanding these two models can help in regulating the ripening speed of kiwifruits, making them more uniform for consumers.